By Bethanie Musyoka, Business & Commercial Banking / Public Sector, Stanbic Bank.

If you are like me, you probably had your first interactions with having a sense of controlling money when you went to Boarding school.

And even then, this mostly involved a bursar keeping the money for you. If the bursar doubted your worthiness, you'd end up pleading your case with a shopping list of basics like plain bread and a soda. 

When you see toddlers throwing tantrums in supermarkets over colourful treats while their parents struggle, you realise it's a prime teaching moment.

We can instil budgeting basics early on. Children as young as three can begin understanding basic money concepts. Even at this age, they grasp ideas like trading money for items at the store and following a shopping list.

Many money habits are set by age 7 to 9. These habits include planning ahead, budgeting, delayed gratification, and even returning borrowed items.

What children observe and learn during their early years significantly influences their adult financial behaviour.

Counterintuitively, allowing kids to spend money and experience failures now can be beneficial.

It provides an opportunity to teach them about saving and delayed gratification. These lessons lay the foundation for responsible money management later in life.

Here are some easy financial education tips for 6-year-olds (even adaptable for 3-year-olds):

1. Introduce money: Explain it's what we use to buy stuff earned through work, chores, or gifts.

2. Count money: Use real coins and notes for hands-on learning.

3. Give an allowance: Start small, teaching value and responsibility.

4. Teach charity: Show how giving back is essential.

5. Encourage saving: Help set goals and differentiate needs from wants.

6. Compare prices: Teach value for money.

7. Use a bank: Open a savings account and learn about deposits and withdrawals.

8. Talk debt: Explain borrowing and repayment.

9. Lead by example: Kids mimic adults, so watch your spending habits.

10. Play board games: International currency games can be both fun and educational.

While these tips might seem daunting, teaching kids about money early on has immense benefits.

It's an opportunity to impart life lessons and set them up for financial success in the future.

Happy parenting!

Liz Ogumbo’s music brand - KenSoul is thrilled to announce the release of a powerful new song titled "Say No," aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting positive social change.

Liz Ogumbo has created a compelling musical piece that seeks to shine a spotlight on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and inspire action towards ending it.

'Say No’ addresses the complex and urgent issue of gender-based violence, conveying messages of solidarity, empowerment, and hope for survivors.

Through evocative lyrics and emotive melodies, the song aims to:

· Raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence in communities worldwide.

- Challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes that perpetuate violence and discrimination.

- Encourage survivors to seek support, speak out against abuse, and know that they are not alone.

-Mobilize individuals, communities, and institutions to take concrete action to prevent and address gender-based violence.

Additionally, she will be launching a comprehensive social media campaign to engage audiences, share resources, and encourage dialogue about gender-based violence using the hashtags #SayNo #EndGBV.

The song is available on youtube an all other major music platforms.

I&M Bank has opened its new branch in Diani, Ukunda as part of its retail expansion strategy to strengthen its presence in the Coast region.

The lender currently has 8 branches in the region and 52 in the country.

Speaking during the official opening of the branch, I&M bank Coast Regional Manager James Ng'anga said the new branch targets the tourism industry in the area.

"We have always wanted to open a branch here in Diani, we finally have done that. This new branch is also as a result of our focus to being close to our customers and driving higher personalised engagement." said Ng'anga.

Adding" With this branch we are mainly targeting the blue economy and tourism sectors as you are aware those are the main major businesses here."

Ng'anga pointed out that the opening of the new branch  has signaled the bank's commitment to addressing the needs of the people and bridging the gap to financial inclusivity across the country.

Now in its 50th year, I&M Bank  intends to grow its countrywide network guided by its iMara strategy that has prioritised expanding its retail services through initiatives such as new innovative retail products and expanding its credit facilities.

Among the services under the iMara strategy also includes introducing retail products, expanding its credit facilities, and eliminating Bank-to-MPESA transaction costs among others.

Last month, the lender announced that it was planning to open more branches this year spread across all the 47 counties.

Home appliances that offer efficiency, convenience, and advanced features have become essential in the current world.

With the world pushing daily for various sectors to embrace green investments that are friendly to Earth, the need for efficient electronics has never hit the peak as it is now.

Samsung has again raised the bar with its state-of-the-art and cutting-edge 12KG washing machine, designed to simplify your laundry routine while prioritizing safety, energy conservation, and user-friendly features.

According to Samsung, with this washing machine, the dedicated EZ Wash TrayTM provides a convenient space to hand-wash delicate items and pre-wash heavily soiled clothes, rather than having to find a separate area or bend over a faucet.

This washing machine comes with the following great features:

Capacity and Efficiency

Samsung 12KG washing machine comes with an impressive capacity, making it ideal for large households or families with substantial laundry loads.

With this appliance, you can bid farewell to the hassle of frequent wash cycles and enjoy the convenience of handling larger amounts of laundry in a single load.

At the same time, it helps the user reduce washing time by up to 50% with Q-Bubble™ technology - its dynamic drum rotation and additional water shots create more abundant and powerful detergent bubbles, which penetrate faster for quicker yet gentler washes when activated.

Child Lock

There is no doubt that safety is a top priority for families, and Samsung understands this well.

The electronic giant has included the Child Lock feature in the washing machine, ensuring that curious little hands won't accidentally interfere with the appliance's operation, providing parents with peace of mind, knowing that their children are protected from any potential harm.

Warranty Assurance

Investing in a high-quality appliance is a commitment, and Samsung stands firmly behind the reliability of its 12 kg washing machine.

The product comes with a comprehensive 24-month warranty on the product and a 20-year warranty on the Digital inverter, offering assurance and support in the unlikely event of any issues.

This commitment to customer satisfaction underscores Samsung's confidence in the durability and performance of its products.

Energy and Water Conservation

Samsung's 12KG washing machine takes centre stage with its energy and water conservation features.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the appliance optimizes water usage and energy consumption without compromising on cleaning efficiency.

This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings in the long run. This helps the user enjoy efficient cleaning even at low temperatures with EcoBubble™ technology as detergent is turned into bubbles that quickly penetrate fabric and easily remove dirt. This saves energy and also protects your laundry’s colour and texture.

Remote Control and AI Integration

Imagine being able to control your washing machine from the comfort of your couch or even while you're away from home.

Samsung has made this a reality with the remote control and AI integration features of their 12KG washing machine. Through a user-friendly mobile app, users can start, pause, or monitor the progress of their laundry cycles.

The AI technology adapts to your usage patterns, optimising wash settings for maximum efficiency and performance. Samsung affirms that AI Wash knows what to do with your laundry, even when you don't. Its 4 built-in sensors do all the thinking for you, working together to determine the optimum amount of water, detergent and rinse your load needs based on soil level and weight of your clothes.

Hygiene Steam

With this feature, as the user, you give your clothes a deep, hygienic clean with steam that improves the cleaning quality of your wash without pre-treatments.

Steam is released from the bottom of the drum, so every item is thoroughly saturated.

This removes ingrained grime and bacteria and reduces allergens.

The Nairobi Polo Club, with support from Tanqueray as an Experience partner, is pleased to announce the return of the last leg of the Nairobi Polo Season that was postponed due to the unexpected rains in late January.

This is set to kick off this weekend on the 16^th and 17^th  of February 2024 with the Soldier’s Salut Tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club. Sport, Luxury, and Style enthusiasts are welcome to what is surely going to be an exciting weekend.

The Nairobi Polo season kicked off with the Horseman Cup in July 2023. Fans will be eager to follow the progress of their favorite teams and players into the Chairman’s Cup that follows next weekend on the 25^th and 26^th of February. This marks the culmination of the tournament where the best will be awarded after an amazing season.

Tanqueray has been on board as co-sponsors for the duration of the season and has spared no expense to ensure there is elite hospitality. On arrival, guests will be taken through an immersive experience that will showcase Tanqueray’s entire portfolio and their rich history.

This will be coupled with intricately mixed signature cocktails that will surely complement the consumers’ style.

The Soldier’s Salute and Chairman’s Cup serve as an opportunity for guests to indulge in what is quickly becoming a popular Sport for those with an appetite for style and elegance.

This, as evidenced in previous editions, has had attendees dressed in some of the best outfits the country has to offer. It will also certainly serve as a networking opportunity for those who want to mingle with fellow Polo enthusiasts.

Government is set to begin the exercise of inspecting marine vessels operating in the country.

Speaking in Mombasa after a meeting with top officials from Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Bandari Maritime College and Kenya shipping line, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya noted the exercise which will will involve vessels of 24 metres and below will begin on April 1st.

Mvurya noted the government has already offered a waiver for the exercise which will include vessels in the Indian Ocean and Inland waters across the country

"The reason we want to carry out  the major inspection is to make sure that those vessels are worthiness in terms of where they are being operated and meet the set criteria. We want to also register all vessels to help us in managing rescue operations, just incase we have a missing vessel we can know. We will be giving the vessels unique identities as part of making sure that they operate within a safe environment " said Mvurya.

Adding "This will also enable us have a good data base of the vessels in the Indian Ocean and the Inland waters . The exercise will be free and will run for 12 months."

The exercise will be spearheaded by the Kenya Maritime Authority.

The CS also announced the appointment of Dr Eric Lewa Katana as the Director and Chief Executive Office of the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA)  effective February 12, 2024.

Dr Katana brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having distinguished himself as a seasoned maritime administrator with a proven track record of service within the sector.

Before his appointment at BMA, he served as the Principal at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) Mombasa Campus.

His extensive career includes tenure at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), where he held various positions, steadily ascending to the role of Principal Port Logistics Officer.

Katana boasts a Bachelor of Science (Honors) Degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Nairobi, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration from JKUAT, and a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management.

"We have confidence in him and believe that he is going to bring changes to our institution." said Mvurya.

Mvurya further revealed that the Bandari Maritime College will be reviewing its fees for seafarers training following concerns from stakeholders

Mvurya noted "There has been alot of discussion and concern  from the youths and leaders that the training is very expensive, we are expecting that in the next two weeks Bandari maritime college and the Kenya maritime authority (KMA) will be coming up with new figures"

The Kenya correspondents association (KCA) has officially announced the election of new board members.

The new board members who were elected on  December 7, 2023 during the association's annual general meeting will serve for three years.

The members are Hadson Araka Matara (Chairman), Irene Nasimiyu (Vice Chair), John Shilitsha (Secretary General), Teryanne Mwadzaya (Assistant Secretary General) and Bernard Kwalia (Treasurer). Regional Chapter leaders who also form part of the board includes Kevin Omollo (Nyanza), Benson Lusenaka (Western), Wycliffe Masinde (North Rift), Osman Mohammed (Nairobi), Stephen Munyiri (Central), Daniel Kituku (Lower Eastern), Antony Rugendo (Upper Eastern) and Omar Shungu Abdalla (Coast).

The board also appointed the immediate former Chairman, William Oloo Janak, as the s the Head of Programs.

The announcement was made by KCA National Chairman Hadson Araka Matara. 

"He will lead the process of strengthening the association’s Secretariat, partner relations and help ensure a smooth management of the transition" reads a statement from KCA Chairman Hadson Araka Matara.

Adding " The Board wishes to assure media stakeholders, our partners and well-wishers of our continued commitment to nurturing existing relationships and building new partnerships to achieve our mandate and sustain our integrity and high profile in the media industry."

The new board held a  two-day induction meeting in Nairobi on February 1-2, 2024 where they also reviewed programs, activities and outlined a road map for growth, including recruitment of new members, improving the welfare and safety of its members, and working together with other media stakeholders to tackle policy, legal and other challenges facing the media sector.

RAHA Fest, Africa's biggest music, art, and cultural extravaganza, is excited to unveil award-winning Nigerian superstar Davido as the headline act for its 2024 maiden edition.

The 2-day festival will go down at Uhuru Gardens on  March 30th and 31st, 2024,  this year's festival promises an unforgettable blend of music, art, and culture. 

David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a multi-award-winning artist celebrated for his captivating Afrobeat tracks and dynamic live shows.

His chart-topping hits, including "Unavailable ft Musa Keys," "Feel," "Fall," "If," and "FEM," have cemented his status as one of Africa's most influential and internationally renowned music sensations.

"We are ecstatic to welcome Davido as the headline act for RAHA Fest 2024," said Tunde Daniel, RAHA Fest Organiser. "Davido's energy, charisma, and musical prowess perfectly embody the spirit of RAHA Fest, and we are confident that his performance will be a highlight of the festival."

RAHA Fest promises to be a spectacular showcase of African music and culture, featuring a diverse lineup of artists representing the continent's rich musical heritage.

From traditional rhythms to contemporary sounds, the festival will offer a dynamic and immersive experience for attendees.

In addition to Davido's headline performance, RAHA Fest 2024 will feature a range of activities and attractions, including art installations, cultural exhibitions, culinary delights, and interactive workshops.

The festival aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate African creativity and diversity.

"I am thrilled to be returning to Kenya after a long absence, and this time I will be performing at Africa's biggest festival," said Davido. "Kenya holds a special place in my heart, and I have always been inspired by its vibrant culture and social life. I can't wait to come back and have a great time with all of you. Get ready for an unforgettable experience #FomniRaha!"

Nairobi is the ultimate party destination in East Africa and the entertainment hub of the region. This will be Davido's third time performing in Kenya, and this time he promises his fans a spectacular show.

As the Managing Director of Crown Relocations South Africa, a leading force in international relocation, Ian Pettey has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with moving families across borders. International relocations represent not just a change in geography but a profound shift in culture, lifestyle, and identity.

In this era of globalisation, where mobility is increasingly common, the ability to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and understanding has become more crucial than ever.

At the heart of successful international relocations lies a concept known as cultural intelligence (CQ). Cultural intelligence goes beyond mere awareness of cultural differences; it encompasses the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse cultural settings. In the context of international relocations, a high level of cultural intelligence can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a rocky adjustment period.

So, what does cultural intelligence entail, and how can it be applied in the international relocations sector?

Primarily, cultural intelligence involves developing a deep understanding of the cultural nuances of both the home and host countries. This goes beyond surface-level knowledge of customs and traditions; it requires an appreciation of the underlying values, norms, and communication styles that shape daily interactions. For individuals considering moving to another country, investing time in learning about the local culture can greatly facilitate their integration process.

Communication skills also play a pivotal role in fostering cultural intelligence. Effective communication involves not only speaking the language but also understanding the nuances of non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions. In the context of international relocations, something as basic as being able to communicate effectively with local colleagues, neighbours, and service providers can significantly ease the transition and build meaningful connections in the new environment.

Building cultural competency among expatriates is another essential aspect of successful integration following international relocations. Cultural competency goes beyond awareness and communication skills; it involves the ability to adapt your own behaviour and mindset to effectively interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

This might involve attending cultural orientation programs, seeking out cross-cultural training, or engaging in immersive experiences that expose individuals to diverse perspectives.

Expatriates should seek assistance from organisations that facilitate cultural exchange programs and networking opportunities to help them build connections and forge relationships with locals. By participating in cultural events, community gatherings, and networking sessions, opportunities arise for expatriates to immerse themselves in the local culture, expand their social circles, and build meaningful connections in their new environment.

One key aspect of cultural relocation support is the provision of comprehensive cultural orientation programs. These programs are designed to familiarize expatriate families with the cultural norms, customs, and traditions of their destination country. From understanding local etiquette to navigating social norms, cultural orientation programs offer invaluable insights that help expatriates adapt more seamlessly to their new environment.

In-person language training programs are an excellent way to help expatriates overcome language barriers and communicate effectively in their new surroundings. Whether through one-on-one tutoring sessions or group language classes, language training equips expatriates with the linguistic skills necessary to engage with local communities and navigate daily interactions with confidence.

I must emphasise the importance of ongoing support and guidance throughout the relocation process. For example, having a dedicated team of relocation and cultural specialists on hand to provide assistance and advice, whether it’s navigating bureaucratic hurdles or adjusting to cultural differences can make the transition as seamless as possible.

Global relocations agents are well versed in facilitating smooth transitions by offering comprehensive cultural orientation programs tailored to the specific needs of each family. From language classes to cross-cultural communication workshops, they equip clients with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their new environment.

Companies who employ large numbers of expatriates can facilitate cultural exchange programs and networking opportunities to help expatriates build connections and forge relationships with locals. By organising cultural events, community gatherings, and networking sessions, these companies create opportunities for expatriates to immerse themselves in the local culture, expand their social circles, and build meaningful connections in their new environment.

By incorporating these cultural relocation services into their offerings, employers can play a pivotal role in easing the transition for expatriate families and ensuring their success in their new cultural contexts. By providing comprehensive support that addresses the unique challenges of cultural relocation, these companies empower expatriates to embrace their new surroundings with confidence and adaptability resulting in more productive employees.

Cultural intelligence is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental skill set that can make or break international relocations. By fostering cultural awareness, communication skills, and building cultural competency among expatriates, we can ensure that individuals and their families embark on their relocation journey with confidence and grace.

East African Community Partner States have been urged to support local investors to help seek local solutions to local problems in the region.

East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Mp James Milya, from Tanzania argued that local investors are up to the task if given the opportunity by relevant governments to undertake and drive investments in the region.

Speaking in Mombasa during a tour of the Buxton housing project by the  EALA Committee on Communication, Trade, and Investment, Milya said as a committee they will seek to implore to member partners to support local investors.

The Buxton housing project in Mombasa, Kenya is a project initiated by EALA Mp Suleiman Shahbal who is also the Chairman, EALA Committee on Communication, Trade, and Investment

"We have been here touring this nice housing project and this is a clear indication that we now need to have confidence and give the opportunity to our local investors. This is a very good project initiated by a local investor" said Milya.

Adding "Why should we always rely on foreign investors yet we have the potential locally".

His sentiments were echoed with her counterpart representing South Sudan Deng Nhial who called on other EAC member states to emulate the housing project.

"This project showcases what can actually be done by local private investors and we would like to see such projects initiated in other member states" said Mp Nhial.

Adding "Personally I think it is an exciting project to be emulated."

On EAC adopting a policy on affordable housing project Nhial stated " I think we should now adopt a policy on such projects and ensure that all our member states can benefit from them.

On his part Mp James Kakooza called on the members states to come up with good policies and regulations on how to deal with the rural urban migration arguing that it has been the main cause of the housing challenge in the region.

"In our member states we have what we call rural to urban migration. Many people are coming to towns from rural areas and our governments have not been investing properly in housing to accommodate this people, so if a local investor can do it then it is very good and I hope this can spill over to other member states since we all face similar challenges" said Kakooza.